Ismail Kartal resigned as head coach of Fenerbahce immediately after the club's 1-1 Champions League draw with Roma, announcing his departure in a post-match news conference. The 65-year-old cited pressure and a mid-match incident where a bottle struck him as factors. "I made this decision to pave the way for my club," Kartal said. He returned for a fourth spell in June 2026, guiding Fenerbahce back to Europe's elite after an 18-year absence. The team currently sits ninth in the Turkish Super Lig.

Club president Aziz Yildirim rejected the resignation, stating on the club website: "Ismail Kartal is still in charge... Until I leave, Ismail Kartal is the head coach of Fenerbahce." Yildirim confirmed a spectator involved in the bottle incident has been identified and banned, while criticizing supporter and media pressure. "This community should support Ismail Kartal," he added.

The announcement stunned players, including defender Archie Brown, whose 48th-minute equaliser nullified Bryan Cristante's opener. Brown said: "What do you mean he resigned? I didn't know about this." Kartal previously won the Turkish Super Cup in 2014 during his first managerial spell and secured six trophies as a player.